Abstract

Objective: Pulmonary cryptococcosis typically occurs in immunocompromised patients, but can also occur in immunocompetent patients. According to the host's immune status, inhaled spores may remain dormant in the lung or may spread to other parts. Thus, clinical manifestations of crytococcosis can be highly variable, from asymptomatic pulmonary disease to life-threatening meningitis depending on the immunity. Our objective was to describe the clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, management and prognosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis in immunocompetent patients.

Conclusion: These results suggest that pulmonary crypotoccosis was found in all-aged immunocompetent patients with no or mild symptoms. Also treatment with oral fluconazole or itraconazole could achieve favorable outcome.